Sep 13, 2026, 03:30 AM UTC

The United States is preparing to introduce what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as "the toughest sanctions in history" to isolate Iran's economy and target its foreign trading partners. Bessent stated that Washington intends to remove entities facilitating money laundering for Tehran from the global dollar system, aiming to "cut off every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime".

Bessent argued that intensifying economic pressure could lessen the need for major military operations. He also urged foreign partners to back the measures, telling CNBC that "it is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision."

Following the rhetoric, the Iranian rial dropped to a record low on unregulated currency markets.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

Internal divisions within the US Democratic Party continue to shape primary contests, highlighting generational and ideological friction between progressive and establishment wings. Key Midwestern primary races, including high-stakes contests in Wisconsin, demonstrate ongoing debates over party direction ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Concurrently, prominent progressive figures are refining their rhetoric to reach broader electorates. Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently reflected on past progressive messaging, characterizing earlier iterations by noting that "Woke 1 var galskap!" Meanwhile, opponents like Donald Trump continue attacking the party using labels such as "woke elite."

At the congressional level, party strategists are focusing on potential legislative and oversight priorities. Should Democrats win a House majority, leaders plan to initiate extensive investigations into Donald Trump's business connections and corporate networks rather than pursuing immediate impeachment proceedings.

Sources: Aftenposten, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)

Saudi Arabia has pledged to retaliate following a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement targeting southwestern urban centers and energy infrastructure. According to Saudi authorities, the strikes injured more than 70 people and sparked blazes at several petroleum facilities, triggering brief operational halts.

The offensive occurred alongside severe ground clashes around the strategic Red Sea port of Mocha, where recent fighting between Houthi fighters and government-aligned troops has resulted in more than 300 fatalities. Houthi forces claimed their strikes hit airbases and infrastructure belonging to energy giant Aramco, though Riyadh has not detailed military losses. The renewed violence leaves Saudi leadership assessing whether to broaden military operations or tolerate expanding rebel influence along critical maritime trade routes.

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Daily Sabah, France24, Sweden Herald.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to secure two major industrial investors for the central Serbian city of Kraljevo over the next twelve months. Speaking during a visit to the municipality, Vučić emphasized that attracting capital remains critical for regional economic renewal. The prospective investments are projected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs for local workers.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly wrapped up its scheduled parliamentary debates on Monday evening. Lawmakers adjourned legislative proceedings for the day, with sessions set to reconvene Tuesday morning at 10:00.

Sources: Tanjug

Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has ordered an inspection of a Turin court following widespread political outrage over the release of a sexual assault suspect. A preliminary judge granted conditional release to a 42-year-old man who confessed to abusing a 13-year-old girl, citing his expressed remorse, despite prosecutor opposition.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and lawmakers across the political spectrum strongly criticized the ruling, intensifying debates over judicial discretion and public safety. However, national crime analyses indicate that serious offenses across major Italian cities remain lower than in many Western metropolises. Additionally, recent statistics show utility bill fraud fell by nearly 27% over a three-year period.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.